This document summarizes the history and results of a programmatic effort at Kent State University (Ohio) to develop and implement interdisciplinary Competency Based Personnel Preparation programs oriented to the education of practitioners and leadership personnel in the transition of youth and adults with special needs to the world of work. It describes 20 years (1974 to 1994) of research that sought to validate the importance of practitioner competencies related to transition, using the perceptions of field-based personnel in special education, vocational education, and rehabilitation counseling. The competencies were then used in developing preservice and inservice training programs for interdisciplinary transition practitioners from undergraduate to doctoral levels in special education, vocational education, and rehabilitation counseling. The research was also used to facilitate program and coursework access by students through the use of Individualized Career Development Plans. Appendices comprise over three-fourths of the document and include: a summary of the COED (Comprehensive Occupational Education Development) Program and Project SAVE (Special and Vocational Education); competency taxonomy development and coding scope notes; a master list of all competencies by respondent group; a sample Individualized Career Development Plan; sample competency survey instruments; summaries of responses by teacher and coordinator groups; and a 74-item listing of Kent State transition studies published or presented at conferences. (Contains 35 references.) (JDD)